That is the question that runs through many transsexuals' minds.
Offering a deeper insight on the transsexual community, The Straits Times has presented a special report on the topic.
A DEGREE from Curtin University, Western Australia, and a regional management position in a large logistics organisation.
While laudable, Juliet's achievements are not likely to make most people sit up and take notice.
Until, of course, the 40-year-old tells them she is a transsexual.
'When you say transsexual, a lot of people immediately think of Changi Village and Desker Road,' she says, referring to two of Singapore's most notorious vice haunts.
'People harbour so many stereotypes. Not all of us are prostitutes. In fact, a lot of us lead and want to lead very normal lives,' says the articulate professional whose company and colleagues know of her status.
Transsexuals - people who do not identify with the gender they are born in and sometimes change their bodies through surgery or hormone therapy - in Singapore have Bugis Street to blame for this albatross hanging around their necks. The stereotype still dogs Juliet and members of her community, although many hold down respectable jobs in law firms, engineering companies and government departments.
They live with many other tags, including widely held beliefs that they are mentally sick and sexually deviant.
Make-up artist Lynette Leong aka Ginger, in her 30s, says the community has to put up with many derogatory names, including ah kwa and bapok.
The Singapore Polytechnic graduate, who has a diploma in mechanical engineering, says: 'Even the Chinese newspapers describe us as ren yao (human monsters). How can society accept us when they perpetuate this nonsense?'
Ignorance surrounding the condition is one of the main reasons why transsexualism is a taboo subject in Singapore society. Dr Tsoi, 75, who has counselled more than 700 transsexuals over three decades, says many people do not know that transsexualism is a medical condition, not a sexual perversion. .....
[Source]
Singapore has changed in many ways since the early 1900s, but yet one thing remains the same. Rampant with negative preconceptions, the social stigma associated with the transsexual community stays unchanged. The Straits Times article had a sobering effect, in which the other side of the coin was finally displayed to the public. It debunked the original impressions most had that were strongly influenced by societal norms.
A transsexual is thought to be an anomaly in the society, a cross between the two genders. They are different from the general notion of how a male or female should be. As people prefer to communicate with like-minded individuals, transsexuals are often repelled because they are different. It is especially so as we have all been engineered to stick with our perception of what's normal, and a preference for staying in our comfort zone.
Hardly do we find ambivalence in the opinions that are placed towards this particular group of people. More often than not, intense feelings of repulsion or general dread would be found instead. But what basis is there to be feeling this way?
Perception is something very subjective. In this case, the perception of today's transsexual community is attributed partly to miscommunication. Perceptual bias is also formed according to Bacon's Four Idols.
Follwing Bacon, individuals form different impressions due to the Four Idols - Idols of the Cave, Idols of the Tribe, Idols of the Marketplace and Idols of the Theatre. In this scenario, I believe it to be a combination of media portrayal, the pressure to be coherent with societal views and one's upbringing as well as religious beliefs.
People form impressions based on what they see. Unfortunately, we do not see a lot. And when we do, it would be through media channels such as television and newspapers which are most often skewed towards a certain degree of biasness. Most television programmes and newspapers would refrain from putting transsexuals in a light that differs from the public view. They refrain from controversy and public outrage. On the contrary, they only serve to ingrain and fuel the negative public perception of transsexuals through stereotypical roles in dramas and such. Another instance would be the use of derogatory terms to describe transsexuals. ''Even the Chinese newspapers describe us as ren yao (human monsters). How can society accept us when they perpetuate this nonsense?'' This would be a case where perceptual bias was formed through Idols of the Tribe. The origin of influence would be the mass media. On another note, do you think it to be ethically right for a journalist to use such culturally insensitive terms?
Blatantly put, the first thought that comes to our minds with regards to transsexuals would be "Changi Village", or terms such as "Ah Kwa". It has become second nature to us as these were the terms that we grew up with. Our impressions are also formed only by what we see. It does not help that the most prominent sightings of transsexuals would be in Changi Village, where they solicit for customers. They are also frequently seen in the shopping district, but that fact is disregarded due to human's penchant for jumping to conclusions. "People harbour so many stereotypes. Not all of us are prostitutes. In fact, a lot of us lead and want to lead very normal lives". This refers back to Bacon's Idol of the Cave where it is human nature to jump to conclusions and assume.
We all like to frame what we see in the context that we like it to be. Humans crave for reassurance, and for proof that substantiates their school of thought. Thus, we tend to distort facts into a subjective opinion based on our own experiences and beliefs. And because the main impression of transsexuals would be prostitutes in Changi Village, we chose to go with that perception. Other options are disregarded because it would not fit into the system of thoughts that we have been brought up with.
Additionally, the basic social want for humans would be to fit in. People want to be well integrated in the society, refraining from being too different for the fear of being outcasted. As the general consensus towards transsexuals are of a negative nature, most just follow blindly without questioning why.
"Why?" You may ask.
"Because it's normal." One replies.
From this we see Bacon's Idol of the Theatre, where trends are followed without any questions asked. There is a tendency to follow the majority, for humans favour the phrase "safety in numbers". Therefore, "widely held beliefs that they are mentally sick and sexually deviant" are not questioned and simply accepted without a doubt.
Just because it feels socially right. Just because it is what everyone else is doing. And just because, it is normal.
However, our own personal upbringing also plays a part in the misconception of transsexuals and such. Bacon's Idols of the Tribe states that perceptual bias is formed partly due to our upbringing, individual experiences and beliefs. Those born to a traditional Asian household may have a stronger aversion as opposed to those brought up in a more liberal environment. Homosexuality in general is taboo in the Asian culture. Because of strong traditions and conservative views, many of the older generation are strongly opposed to effeminancy because it goes against the behaviours and roles that are laid out for a male. Perhaps it is due to the inflexibility of the Asian culture, where it is hard to accept change. The emasculation of a male is a an extremely big change to the Asian's belief of how men should be. Especially so in Asian cultures, where men assume the roles of leaders and providers while women stay at home and display characteristics deemed as feminine (i.e. looking after the house, raising children). Would you have thought differently if you were brought up in Europe, or Thailand for that matter instead?
Again, disparate ideas are also formed based on the varying levels of exposure that one receives. An individual would be more receptive to transsexualism if he/she was already acquainted with the idea of homosexuality. Likewise, people who have transsexual friends would be less averse as well. Take for instance people from single sex instituitions, where they have already been exposed and used to the concepts of homosexuality. Conversely, it is those who are strangers to the world of transsexualism that make quick judgement. In my opinion, I agree with Dr Tsoi in the article that ignorance is the cause of it all. People who know nothing would jump to conclusions because they have no basis to build their opinions on. Hence, they lean towards the external view that others have in forming their own perceptions. Sadly, most others are equally ignorant as well. It could be termed as the blind leading the blind.
I empathize with those who chose this path. It isn't an easy journey, what with the widespread misconception and criticism that they have faced. If you think about it, their core needs and wants are exactly the same as the rest of us. Like other humans, they crave for acceptance and thrive on emotions.
Is it unacceptable to want to be who you really are?
And is it really wrong, to be different?
14 comments:
It's not wrong to be different !! YAY to transexuals ! Yay to gays & lesbians & bisexuals ! It's becoming cool to be crook due to media and fashion now. Just as long as you're good-looking, screw perceptions !
-Jodi
I totally agree that its partly due to the environment that we're in. Take for instance, the gay marriage (Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi) in the United States. In their environment, they have been socially accepted for their kind of status they want.
However, the Asian environment would bring you jaundiced eyes when you behave too intimately with someone of the same gender.
Perception varies in individuals. But apparently, most perceptions are formed according to the norm. Being in a more conservative society, not being able to accept these different people might be normal, but they suffer from the cruelty of unwanted stares and criticism. To err is human, is it the wrong of them to be different?
its definitely not wrong to be different but i guess the Asian society is still very conservative and therefore alot of things are deemed as unacceptable.
The next factor would be the media potrayal of the transexuals and also gays and lesbians. Its because of all these that makes it even harder for the Asian society to accept people who are different.
I guess its hard to change the perception of people because we are too judgemental of people and we "catergorize" people too quickly. Therefore, we have got to break out of all this shit before they can be accepted.
I feel that even in Asian countries, perceptions varies. It seems to me that Taiwanese are more receptive towards GLBT than maybe Singaporeans. I wonder why?
People are always quick to judge. It doesnt help when GLBT has always been classified as 'morally wrong' behaviour. And people always think that GLBT could choose and correct their sexual orientation instead of accepting them for who they are. Maybe, they are afraid of people who are daring to be different, who are willing to go out of their comfort zone to be who they really want to be.
But who shapes these perceptions in the first place? And who determines what is 'morally' right and wrong?
We argue for human rights for people in Tibet. We argue for rights for the people subjected to abuse, prejudiced and discrimination. How about the rights of the GLBT community? For people who dare to be different and yet looked down upon?
I feel that one first step we can take is to discard the horrible chinese term 'ren yao'. Like seriously, human monsters?
-geck
And I finally found your blog. Hahaha. I think it's amazing that we're doing on the same topic.
Coming from a single sex school previously, it is true that we are...exposed to people who are more different than us. Ignorance is definitely the main contributing factor here; how many of us have friends who are that different from the rest of us? For example, most people would think that being a homosexual/bisexual/transexual/whatever-that-swings-their-way is a choice, and it's the way that they chose to live their lives, when in fact they didn't choose to live that way.
However, there are some people from school who still cannot accept such deviants, despite them being supposedly more "exposed" to them. Their personal upbringing and their religion probably have a greater impact in shaping their perception.
I hope that with the Saturday report, people would be more aware and understanding of the confusion and pain that those people are going through...the mass media could shape and influence perception, and if used correctly, it could be used for the better.
Hi sherlyne,
Standing from the societal point of view, the transexuals are really in a sense 'abnormal'. The reason behind this view could be explained by the SOCIAL CONSTRUCTIONIST PERSPECTIVE where we use the tools provided by our culture to create collective representations of the reality.
Reflecting about the way we were brought up and educated, it is inevitable that most people hold this mindset. To change our view, it may take quite a bit of time.
Good job, keep it up!=)
Jodi - Hahaha do you think you're cool? Androgynous people like Agyness Deyn! She dresses cool and looks nice too.
Christina - Yes homosexuals have long been accepted in the States! Although same sex marriages has only been made legal, it is a huge stepping stone away from discrimination towards liberty. It is so not wrong to be different! Why is it that no one questions the norm?
Sherry - Totally agreed on, that media portrayal plays a huge role. Gays are often placed in dramas and movies for comic relief. Case in point: Local production "Army Daze". Maybe someone should make a film about the lives of the GLBT community. At least it'll open eyes.
Geck - I never thought about it in a Singapore-against-the-rest-of-Asia context! It does bring about new perspective though. I wonder why the Taiwanese are more open as well, maybe it's because they aren't as self conscious and "kiasu" as us Singaporeans? Afterall, consciousness to fit in drives us away from people who are different. Yes I agree to fighting for rights! We are all humans, just how different can we be? We are all entitled to our own choices (although I agree that sexual orientation isn't a choice, the choice is to follow it albeit knowing that others object). Whatever happened to respect? You might not agree, but the basic respect one can offer to another is to not discriminate/ridicule.
Kyun - Homie! Haha I think many people have misconceptions about the choice of sexuality. They think that homosexuals/transsexuals choose to be who they are. But seriously, who would choose a path so hard? It doesn't make sense. But I believe that the Saturday Report has made things slightly better for the GLBT community. A stepping stone to greater things! :D
Perception I guess in this context is the main key. And the best part is don't you think its weird how people have a certain mental stigma towards LGBT? I mean singapore is a place that is constantly changing. Look at how we have grown and the government encourages change and to think out of the box.....but with the stubborn views of our singaporeans today, how is it truly possible? And I wonder what is up with being able to accept changes in other ways that did not seem to be "normaL" in the past and yet not being able to accept LGBT individuals. Maybe its how deeply ingrained certain beliefs are in the minds of these biased individuals that judge and affect their acceptance. You know something..humans are weird. OH I suddenly have this thought. LGBT Individuals in a keen sense alike charismatic christians are really not much different. I'm sure this statement I throw is going to offend either party. well but really its just that they hold on to their own personal beliefs and they totally BLOCK out and some even NEGATE STRONGLY and TRY TO SAY unkind things about the other. WHY? for a fairly simple reason, people do not feel comfortable with anything that negates their own personal beliefs and perception...AnD THAT explains their strongly violent reaction to anything they fail to accept. Perhaps to them it feels like it kills everything that they have lived to know. once again. I guess thats just the way humans are.
Hi sherlyne, I feel that this topic is really a good one and I enjoyed reading about yours and others' views about this issue! I loved how you brought in the four idols in this context.
Well, I've read views about people saying that homosexuality is something not normal; it goes against the law of nature. What is or is not normal then? That's when perception comes in to play, what is normal to me may not always be normal to someone else. Do people treat others differently when they find out that one of their friends or favourite celebrities are homosexuals? Many people I know try to distance themselves from their friends when they find out that their friend is gay. I find this unfair as you're simply judging someone based on their nature which has nothing to do with characteristics that make up a friend in my opinion.
Furthermore, I also agree with your point: 'Homosexuality in general is taboo in the Asian culture' It is true and even though there has been more people being open-minded about this, the numbers still do not outweigh those who are against this way of life.
Just to add, personally I strongly believe that there is nothing wrong or 'not normal' about being a homosexual. People should be open-minded about this and even if they are not they should not criticise but rather respect people for their choices. Well, but then again it still comes down to the individual's perceptions.
Hahhaha homie! Yup, hopefully it has made things slightly better around here. I feel like more could be done to change the perception of others but this is a very good stepping stone, as you said. :)
I agree with the author about the media portrayal and ignorance about transsexuals. In Singapore context, there are still discriminations going on against them. Although it is subtle, it does not mean they the people are accepting them, it could be because of our culture, we are not prone to out-right confrontation. I believe in this aspect, the Government may pull in efforts to educate people about this. It may be a sensitive issue, but it is only right to educate the young about such gender issues and why scientifically some people needs to undergo sex change. Sometimes it is uncontrollable and we have to rid people of this stigma that transsexuals are a bunch of weirdos and a bane to society.
i guess the fact that many of us are stereotyping them is not because we are ignorant of the plight that they are in. but because they are different, conformity is the trend, going out from the trend means you are different which invites talks.
i feel for the transsexuals, but i also believe that if one is willing to take such drastic change, then he/she must also come prepared for the challenges ahead. just like how we cant blame the transsexuals for their choice, it is also wrong to judge the rest who stereotype the 'anomalies' in our society.
many say that we should be open-minded about all these since we are a fusion of the east and west. but deep down, we are Asians, we have our values. and i think we doing pretty well in the area of acceptance already.
i think we are changing our views, but it is not an overnight event. it will come, gradually.
change should start with us, we may be saying that the rest should change their viewpoints but at the same time, are we also wearing tinted glasses when we look at the transsexuals?
some people didn't ask to be born this way. i suppose they themselves face inner struggles that we will never understand. sure, there have been reports every now and then to inform us on this topic of transexuality.
yet, our society today is not liberal enough, to fully embrace the idea of transexuality.
if there's anything there needs to be changed, it will probably be our reactions to transexuals.
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